Pulling our heart strings

Ronnie Burkett is the world's leading exponent of marionette puppet theatre, using elaborately crafted puppets to tell intricate stories. 10 Days on Earth is the fifth production he's brought to queerupnorth, continuing a special relationship between the festival and one of the world's greatest artists.

This is a sad but funny, poignant but never mawkish, affectionate but unapologetic production. It's rich with emotion, yet simple enough to tug at your heart.

Darrel is a middle-aged man with a learning disability. When his mother does not re-emerge from her room he continues his daily routines as best he can and talks to her through the bedroom door. Soon, episodes from the past play out like faded colour snapshots from a family album, illustrating a mother's love for her son in all its compelling honesty and fierce, unwavering will.

'We need a show such as Burkett's to remind us that in the hands of a master puppeteer, old-fashioned string marionettes can make you laugh, weep - and even think' The Guardian.

For your chance to win one pair of tickets to the opening night of Ronnie Burkett's Theatre of Marionettes on Friday 11 May at the Library Theatre apply below.